Personal: Age 37. Born in Queens, N.Y.; raised in Miami Beach. South Florida resident 33 years.

Family: Married to Hal, a financier. Children: Eric, 11; Lee, 8.

Q. What's so great about working with the JCC?

A. I initially started because my children went to preschool there. I think it's a wonderful environment. Like a second home. Comfortable. I meet people I might never meet elsewhere. I can have everything from exercise, to education, to books to films.

Q. What's the one most mistaken impression about the High Holy Days?

A. It's good that so many Jews attend. But there are so many Shabbats when they could attend, too. Each week, in its way, is holy. Shabbat ought to be as meaningful as the High Holy Days.

Q. Favorite part of your work?

A. Giving to the community, and doing it on flexible time. I can balance volunteer work with family and professional work.

Q. What book have you been recommending lately?

A. I just picked up At Home in the World. It's a collection of stories by Daniel Pearl [Wall Street Journal reporter who was murdered by militant Muslims this year]. It's about his interesting experiences as a journalist.

Q. Favorite pastime?

A. Jigsaw puzzles. My kids and I play those, and board games. I also like tennis and bicycling.

Q. Favorite vacation spot?

A. We went to San Francisco this summer, and the Napa Valley. And we're going back to Vermont in October to see the fall leaves change.

Q. Favorite film(s)?

A. I just saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It was very funny.

Q. A treasured memory?

A. My wedding day. I married at 22. It was full of youth, innocence, unlimited possibilities. When I think about it, it makes me feel young, romantic, empowered.

Q. What one thing would you change about yourself?

A. I'd make myself 6 feet tall. I'm 5 feet.

Q. Is there one thing you can't stand?

A. Willful ignorance. People not being open to other ideas or thoughts.

Q. Who in history would you like to meet?

A. My great-grandparents. I believe they lived in the shtetls of Russia. I would like to see how they lived, and how they could send a child to America.

Q. What would you like most to be remembered for?

A. Being a mensch, a good, decent person. That's what we teach our boys.

This is one in a continuing series profiling area religious leaders. Do you know someone we should profile? Tell Religion Editor James D. Davis at 954-356-4730, or e-mail jdavis@sun-sentinel.com.